Hello Naoshi! We so appreciate you taking the time to answer our 10 Questions. We're huge fans. The whole team is super excited for your First Friday showing and sunae sand art workshop at our shop this June.
I've said this in an earlier correspondence, but I remember first coming across your work on a blog many years ago, probably around the late 2000s. Your designs depicted characters that reminded me of chic sprites or fairy-esque figures, dressed as ice cream cones or wearing interesting hats, and lounging in shoes and slippers. I was enamored with your emotive character designs, use of color, and the interesting texture which turned out to be actual sand. I recall wistfully liking one of your artworks on OMOI's (now archived) Tumblr dashboard, totally unaware that one day a postcard with your handwriting would arrive at the shop, and that we would become a regular stockist of your candy colored artworks. The world is often smaller than you think!
Any visitor to your website will see many press clippings with past interviews containing your backstory and how you got started in sand art, so we will let our readers go exploring for that information, and in the meantime get straight to our usual set of questions.
1) What kind of environment did you come up in, and what kind of environment do you like to make for yourself today?
Naoshi: I grew up in a town surrounded by rice paddies in Iwate Prefecture, in northern Japan. My father has a great sense of humor and loves comedy, and my mother is very skilled with her hands and has a talent for drawing, so our home was always full of laughter and a spirit of craftsmanship.
These days, I cherish the time I spend at my sunny studio desk listening to music or Japanese comedians on the radio while creating my sunae (sand art). I also enjoy visiting cafés, where I can brainstorm ideas over a cup of tea and a blueberry muffin. Planning my next trip or searching for tickets to live concerts are everyday joys as well. Being in an environment filled with all the little things I love or enjoy is where I feel most at home right now.
2) What kind of stuff were you into when you were around thirteen? Any advice for thirteen-year-olds today?
When I was 13, there was nothing I enjoyed more than exchanging one-page manga comics I’d drawn in my notebook with friends who were good at drawing, or secretly passing notes during class. Our class was a close-knit group of boys and girls, and I’m still in touch with those friends today.
What I want to say to the 13-year-olds today is this: I hope you’ll cherish the friendships that feel important to you now, even as you grow older. The friends you’ve spent time with and shared your heart with are truly irreplaceable. They can become a lasting source of support throughout your life.
3) What's your stance on magic?
I believe in the “magic of words.” There have been many times when I’ve felt their power, whether it was something I said that eventually came true, or a casual comment from someone that truly saved me in a difficult moment. That’s why, when I want to do something, I try to put it into words first. When I’m having fun, I say, “I’m having fun!” without holding back. And when I work hard or overcome something, I make sure to tell myself, “Well done!” Maybe that’s my way of casting little spells on myself lol.
4) Do you have any strong opinions on sand?
The glittering colored sand has a really pleasant texture. People often think of sand as something fleeting or temporary, but to me, it has a strong presence. No matter how carefully I try to brush it away, it somehow finds its way into the crevices of my table or floor—or fine grains suddenly appear out of nowhere while I’m working on a sunae, lol.
They may be tiny, but they have a presence all their own. That’s part of what makes this delicate and beautiful material so special. I think that unique texture is a big part of what gives my work its character.
5) Some people will dismiss "pop" art as a less meaningful, commercial, or throwaway because it can appear lighthearted or frivolous. As someone who often describes your art as pop (along with surreal and fantasy), what do you think about that?
Many of my works feature bright, whimsical characters, but these characters are often expressionless, hiding deeper emotions. I believe this reflects reality – sometimes, people who seem cheerful on the surface may have complex emotions and circumstances beneath that you only discover as you get to know them.
My art may first come across as "pop and cute!" but as viewers spend more time with it, they start to ask questions: "Is this sand art?" "Why are the characters expressionless?" "A picture book with an octopus as the main character? What does that mean?" The more you look, the more mysteries unfold. I hope people enjoy the lightness of the visuals, but also take time to explore the depth of the emotions and thoughts beneath the surface.
6) What's something you'll spend money on, and something you refuse to spend too much money on?
What I like to spend money on most are inspiring moments and real-world experiences. Last year, my all-time favorite comedians (who also sing) were holding their first live concert in 29 years! It was the busiest time of the holiday season for me, but I flew back to Japan for a whirlwind trip just to see them. The moment they walked on stage, I couldn't stop crying. It felt like I was finally fulfilling a dream I had carried since childhood. That’s why I never hesitate to invest in those spontaneous “I have to do this!” moments.
I also enjoy traveling and tend to spend less on hotels when I'm traveling solo. I’m usually out exploring most of the day, and since I only need a place to sleep and shower, something simple and comfortable is enough. (Of course, if I’m traveling with friends or family, or it’s a special occasion, then I like to stay somewhere nice!)
7) Area trend you wish would come back?
The trend I wish would come back (regardless of area) is handwritten communication. In Japan, there’s a tradition called nengajo – New Year’s postcards sent on January 1st to share well wishes and life updates. I used to write and illustrate each one by hand, carefully personalizing them for everyone. Looking back now, I wonder, “How did I ever find the time for that?” lol. But honestly, being able to spend time on something so thoughtful was a kind of blessing.
Even now, I try to include a small handwritten or hand-drawn note with each piece of artwork or order. I think the joy I once felt through those simple, heartfelt exchanges is what continues to shape the spirit of my work today.
8) Area trend you wish would retire?
One trend I wish would retire is the casual misuse or copying of a creator’s work. It’s disheartening when something you've made from scratch is taken and used without permission. (There were many times when my art was turned into products and sold online without my knowledge…)
While I truly appreciate how much technology and social media have made things more convenient and supported my work, I still hope for a world where creativity is met with kindness, and where people’s ideas and expressions are respected.
9) What's something you wish people engaged with more?
Sand art is a very time-consuming form of expression, created little by little in small steps. The process gives me time to slow down, focus, and quietly connect with myself, and that’s something I find truly enriching.
In a world where speed and efficiency are often prioritized, I think it's important to also make space for moments of slowness, and to engage deeply and carefully with something.
10) And, any shout outs?
My encounter with Mr. Kin Shiotani, who first inspired me to start drawing, has truly sparked something special in my life. He is a mentor I deeply respect, active across a wide range of creative fields, not only in art and writing but also in unique performances known as “The Graphic Theatre,” as well as a TV program where his love for travel takes him on walking explorations around the city.
From April 25 to August 31, 2025, his solo exhibition, “Apathy Explosion: The World of Kin Shiotani's Paintings and Titles,” will be held at the Hakone Open-Air Museum. If you find yourself in Japan during that time, I highly recommend immersing yourself in his world, and enjoying the hot springs while you’re there.
The list of people I’d like to shout out is endless, but I especially want to express gratitude to my family and friends for their unwavering support, comedians for always making me laugh, music for lifting my spirits, travel for providing fresh inspiration, and sweet treats and cat videos for soothing my soul (lol). A big thank you as well to the OMOI team for giving me the opportunity to be part of this First Friday event! I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on June 6!!!
